Ultrasound monitoring of ovarian follicular development: A comparison of real‐time and static scanning techniques

Follicular growth was monitored in 19 patients during 20 spontaneous and induced cycles by different examiners in a blind trial using a real-time linear array, a mechanical sector scanner, and a gray scale compound scanner. This was done to compare the efficacy of different ultrasound equipment in the study of ovarian cycle. The mean maximum follicular diameter was calculated with each equipment and the quality of follicular images was classified as poor, sufficient, and good as defined in the study. The overall best results in ovary and follicle visualization were achieved with the real-time sector scanner. Measurements of the same dominant follicle using real-time and compound scanners were highly correlated (linear array/compound scanner: r = 0.894, p < 0.001; sector/compound scanner: r = 0.928, p < 0.001). Following ovulation, some unexpected differences in the distribution of the postovulatory patterns were noted with each instrument. Except in difficult patients, real-time examination, preferably performed using a sector scanner, appears to be the optimal first ultrasonic approach for monitoring follicular growth.